Binding for the practice of skiing

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a binding for a boot on a ski, including a toe-piece, a connection member having a front end secured to the ski and a rear end, the connection member being provided with a hook-engagement structure, a rear base adapted to be attached to the ski and a hooking mechanism associated with the rear base. The hooking mechanism includes a gripping member which is movable with respect to the rear base and is capable of moving into a first position in which it engages the hook-engagement structure of the connection member so as to limit a vertical movement of the rear end of the connection member, and a first return member exerting a force on the gripping member so as to move the latter toward the toe-piece. The binding also includes a heel-piece connected to the rear portion of the connection member. The longitudinal position of the heel-piece in relation to the connection member is adjustable.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a binding for a boot on a ski, intended moreparticularly for the practice of alpine skiing.

2. Background Information

When skiing downhill, whether in ski touring or downhill skiing, the skiflexing behavior is paramount. Reference is then made to the term “flex”to designate all the ski flexing values. Flex determines the characterof the ski, its liveliness, and aggressiveness. Consequently, a ski mustpreferably be characterized by a maximum of flexion about a transverseaxis of the ski.

Given the rigidity of the boot, and in particular of its sole, the skiflex is inadequate if the toe-piece and heel-piece are fixed directly tothe ski. Indeed, this construction involves rigidity that limits theflexing of the ski when the latter is supported at the front and rear ofthe ski. The skier's weight generates stresses on the fastening pointsof the toe-piece and heel-piece which can damage the ski and/or thecomponents of the binding.

To overcome this drawback, it is known to add an elastic member betweena body of the heel-piece supporting a mechanism for retaining the bootand a fixing element affixed to the ski. The elastic member exerts areturn force on the body of the heel-piece, in the direction of thetoe-piece, along an axis substantially longitudinal to the ski.Conventionally, the elastic member is a recoil spring that makes itpossible to space the heel-piece from the toe-piece during flexing, asin the case mentioned above. Flex is improved.

The position of the fastening element is generally variable along alongitudinal axis, which enables axial adjustment of the position of theheel-piece.

A construction of this type is illustrated, for example, in the patentdocuments WO 2008/125363 and FR-A-2 831 455.

Although this design provides flexibility to the ski, such flexibilityis limited to the displacement of the body of the heel-piece.

Patent document EP-A-1 559 455 discloses a binding for the practice ofski touring, including a toe-piece and a heel-piece mounted on a platewithout the possibility of axial spacing of the toe-piece in relation tothe heel-piece. The heel-piece is affixed to a support pivotally mountedabout a central vertical axis arranged between the toe-piece and theheel-piece. A boot rests directly on this pivotable support. Thisbinding assembly is therefore flexionally rigid about an axis transverseto the ski. Adaptation of the binding to various boot sizes is thereforenot possible. This structure further includes a thick plate beneath theboot. The binding system is complex with respect to inserting and/orremoving the boot.

To provide flexibility in the descent configuration, the end of theplate is affixed to the ski via a lock pushed by a spring, the springpressing on a support fixed on the ski. This elastic member makes itpossible to maintain the lock in constant contact with the end of theplate during flexing of the ski.

This construction is also limited to a single axial compensation means.Therefore, this binding does not permit a significant longitudinaltravel of the end of the plate.

SUMMARY

The invention provides an improved binding for a boot on a ski.

More particularly, the structure of the binding is simple, lightweightand compact, particularly with respect to thickness beneath the sole ofthe boot.

In addition, the bending flexibility of a ski equipped with a bindingand a boot. The invention makes it possible to obtain a greater travelof the ski without exerting substantial stress thereon.

Further, the invention obtains a nonlinear flexural behavior of the ski,as a function of change in the bias.

The invention thus relates to a binding for a boot on a ski comprising:

-   -   a rear end, the connection member being provided with a        hook-engagement structure;    -   a rear base adapted to be fixed to the ski,    -   a hooking mechanism, associated with the base, including:    -   a toe-piece;    -   a connection member having a front end secured to an upper        surface of the ski and a gripping member movable in relation to        the rear base and capable of being positioned in a first locking        position for which it cooperates with the hook-engagement        structure of the connection member so as to limit vertical        movement of the end rear of the connection member;    -   a first return member exerting a force on the gripping member so        as to move the latter toward its first locking position.

The binding includes a heel-piece connected to the rear portion of theconnection member, the axial position of the heel-piece in relation tothe connection member being adjustable.

The axial adjustment makes it possible to adapt the spacing between thetoe-piece and the heel-piece to the size of the boot. This adjustmentcreates less stress in the area of the components of the binding andprovides flexibility to the ski.

The improvement to the flexibility of the ski is also marked by theaddition of a second axial compensation, namely an elastic member inaddition to the return member. Thus, the mechanism enabling the axialadjustment of the heel-piece includes an elastic member housed between abody of the heel-piece supporting a mechanism for retaining the boot anda fastening element affixed to the connection member, the elastic memberexerting a return force on the body of the heel-piece, in the directionof the toe-piece, along an axis substantially longitudinal to theconnection member.

The invention also relates to any technically permissible combination ofthe following characteristics:

-   -   the return force is adjustable by a first adjusting device;    -   the first return member exerts a compensating force on the        hook-engagement structure of the connection member, in the        direction of the toe-piece, along an axis substantially        longitudinal to the ski;    -   the compensating force is adjustable by a second adjusting        device;    -   the toe-piece is pivotally mounted about an axis transverse to        the ski;    -   the toe-piece is stationary with respect to a front base fixed        on the ski;    -   the connection member is flexible about an axis transverse to        the ski;    -   the gripping member is located in the area of the heel-piece, or        between the heel-piece and the toe-piece;    -   the gripping member includes at least one hook adapted to        cooperate with at least one fitting of the connection member,        the fitting forming the hook-engagement structure;    -   the gripping member includes at least two hooks arranged on both        sides of a median plane of the rear base.

The invention more particularly relates to bindings adapted for thepractice of ski touring.

A binding of the aforementioned type must permit a rotation of the bootabout an axis transverse to the ski, located at the front of the bootduring the ascent phase, so as to enable spacing of the heel of the userin relation to the ski in order to exert an optimum thrust force. Such abinding must also make it possible to absorb substantial torsionalforces between the boot and the ski during the descent phase.

An example of a touring ski binding is disclosed in the patent documentEP-A-1 892 020. This safety binding is comprised of a plate carrying theboot, pivotally mounted on the ski at the front and provided at the rearwith detachable means for connection to the ski. This binding is adaptedto be used with rigid alpine ski boots which are fixed on the pivotableplate. A toe-piece and a heel-piece are fixed on the plate to ensureretention of the boot, or removal of the boot, if necessary. During theascent position, the pivotable plate is released from the ski at therear so as enable the boot to pivot in relation to the ski. In thedescent position, the pivotable plate is affixed to the ski so as tomake it possible to ski using alpine downhill skiing techniques. Themeans for connecting the plate to ski are not described in thisdocument.

In practice, a binding of the aforementioned type is cumbersome andsignificantly weighs down the ski. Furthermore, there is a need formeans for connecting the plate to ski that are easy to manipulate whenswitching between the ascent position and the descent position. There isalso a need for connecting means optimizing the transmission of forcesbetween the boot and the ski while allowing flexing of the ski. Thebinding must be able to provide a solid connection of the boot to theski and be strong enough to withstand the forces generated duringpractice of ski touring, while also being sufficiently lightweight.

The inventionsolves one or more of these technical problems. Thus,advantageously, the hooking mechanism for alternately securing andreleasing the base and the rear portion of the connection member furtherincludes:

-   -   a retaining member affixed to the rear base, the retaining        member being movably mounted between first and second positions        in relation to the rear base, the retaining member having an        actuation surface adapted to be manipulated by the user in order        to switch it from its first position to its second position, the        first position of the retaining member freeing the passage of        the gripping member from its second position to its first        position, the second position of the retaining member retaining        the gripping member in its second position;    -   a release member having an actuation surface adapted to be        manipulated by the user, the axial bias of the actuation surface        driving the gripping member toward the second position.

The invention also relates to any technically permissible combination ofthe following characteristics:

-   -   the safety binding including a second return member biases the        retaining member toward its second position.    -   a retractable stop maintains the gripping member in its first        position, in the absence of bias of the release member, and        frees the gripping member to slide from its first position to        its second position when an axial force is applied on the        actuation surface of the release member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent from the description which follows, given by way ofnon-limiting example, with reference to the annexed drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a member for connectingto the ski, and of a rear base for an exemplary binding according to theinvention, in the ascent position;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a connection member and of a rear basefor an ascent position of the binding;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a member for connectingto the ski and of a rear base, in the descent position;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the lower portion of the rear base ofthe binding;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a locking member of the rear base;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an actuating member of a lockingmechanism;

FIG. 7 is a perspective top view of the rear base in the ascentposition;

FIG. 8 is an axial cross-sectional view of components of the rear basein the ascent position;

FIG. 9 is a perspective top view of the rear base in an intermediateposition for switching to the descent position;

FIG. 10 is a perspective top view of the rear base in the descentposition;

FIG. 11 is an axial cross-sectional view of components of the rear basein the descent position;

FIGS. 12 and 13 are cross-sectional side views of the locking mechanismduring various locking phases.

FIG. 14 is a perspective rear view of a complete binding according tothe first embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a partial, axial cross-sectional view, along the line AA ofFIG. 1, of a ski equipped with the complete binding according to thefirst embodiment, in the descent position;

FIG. 16 is a partial, axial cross-sectional view, similar to FIG. 15, ofa ski equipped with a complete binding according to a second embodiment,without flexing of the ski;

FIG. 17 is a partial, axial cross-sectional view, similar to FIG. 15, ofa ski equipped with the complete binding according to the secondembodiment, with flexing of the ski.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following referential points, shown in FIG. 1, will be used in thefollowing description. The X-direction corresponds to the axial orlongitudinal direction of the ski 2 on which the binding is mounted. TheY-direction corresponds to the transverse direction of the ski 2, andthe Z-direction corresponds to the vertical direction of the ski 2.

FIGS. 1-15 illustrate a first embodiment dedicated to the practice ofski touring. This binding includes a pivotable in relation to the ski 2.A hooking mechanism 600 makes it possible to alternatively secure orrelease the rear portion of the connection member and a base fixed tothe ski 2.

Thus, a very simple kinematics implemented by the user makes it possibleto switch from the ascent position to the descent position of thebinding. Such a hooking mechanism has a simple and compact structure,which is easy to develop.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the main components of a safety binding1 for the practice of ski touring. The binding 1 includes a front base400, a toe-piece 300 (whose internal mechanism is not shown for reasonsof readability), a connection member 200, a heel-piece 700 (not shown inFIG. 1 for reasons of readability), and a rear base 100.

The front 400 and rear 100 bases are adapted to be rigidly fixed to aski 2. The connection member 200 is pivotally mounted with respect tothe front base 400 about an axis along the Y-direction. To this end, theconnection member 200 is rotationally mounted through the toe-piece 300about an axle 502 extending between two surfaces of a stirrup of thebase 400.

The toe-piece 300 is fixed to the front end of the connection member200. The toe-piece 300 has a support 301 for the sole of the user's skiboot 3. The heel-piece 700 is fixed on a plate 205 forming the rearportion of the connection member 200. The toe-piece 300 and heel-piece700 are thus axially offset to allow insertion of the boot 3 of theuser. The toe-piece 300 and heel-piece 700 conventionally make itpossible to retain the user's boot 3 vertically when inserted into thebinding. The axial position of the heel-piece 700 with respect to theconnection member 200 can be adjusted in a known manner. To this end,the plate 205 of the connection member 200 has a rail 201 enabling theaxial sliding of the heel-piece 700, and an indentation 720 forimmobilizing the axial position of the heel-piece 700 via a conventionalmechanism integrated into the heel-piece 700.

A conventional heel-piece 700, as mentioned above, is illustrated withreference to FIG. 14 and the subsequent figures. The heel-piece 700includes a body 701 supporting a mechanism for retaining the boot 3. Aportion of this body forms a slide rack 702 cooperating with the rail201 so as to enable axial translation of the heel-piece 700. The body701 of the heel-piece also supports an adjusting screw 710.

The axial positioning of the heel-piece 700 is achieved due to amechanism comprising the adjusting screw 710, axially affixed to thebody 701 of the heel-piece, in engagement with the indentation 720 ofthe connection member 200. Thus, the turning of the screw 710 causes thescrew 710 to be axially displaced along the indentation 720, andtherefore the axial displacement of the heel-piece 700. For an alpineski binding, the indentation 720 is usually affixed directly to the ski.

Heel-pieces 700 for the practice of downhill skiing are often equippedwith axial compensation to provide more flexibility to the ski and tocover slight variations in size. This axial compensation is obtainedsimply by inserting an elastic member 750 between the body 701 of theheel-piece and the adjusting screw 710. Thus, the body 701 of theheel-piece can be axially translated toward the rear until totalcompression of the elastic member.

The kinematics of a rearward movement of the heel-piece is as follows:the body 701 presses on the spring 750 which then presses on theadjusting screw 710, the latter being axially locked via the indentation720. In the other direction, the forward movement of the heel-piece 700is limited due to the contact between a shoulder of the adjusting screwand a stop of the body of the heel-piece. Consequently, when theheel-piece 700 is not biased, that is to say, while at rest, the elasticmember 750 is slightly compressed, which makes it possible to obtain thecontact described above.

The elastic member 750 is generally a spring. The axis of the elasticmember 750, the axis of the adjusting screw 710, and the axis of the skiare substantially aligned.

Thus, with this design, the adjustment screw 710 can only rotate aboutits axis or move axially (by compressing the elastic member 750) inrelation to the body 701 of the heel-piece 700.

In the position illustrated in FIG. 1, the binding 1 is in the ascentposition. Thus, the rear end of the connection member 200 is separatedfrom the rear base 100 in order to enable the user's foot to pivot inrelation to the ski.

A hooking mechanism 600 makes it possible to alternately secure andrelease the base 100 from the rear portion of the connection member 200.The hooking mechanism 600 includes hooks 602 and 603. The hooks 602 and603 form a gripping member affixed to the base 100. The hooks 602 and603 are made integrally with a connecting rod 601 mounted to slideaxially in relation to the base 100. The connecting rod 601 is slidablymounted in relation to the base 100 by means of an arched member 605affixed to the base 100 and overhanging the median portion of theconnecting rod 601. Via the connecting rod 601, the hooks 602 and 603are mounted to slide axially in relation to the base 100, between firstand second positions.

In the first position illustrated in FIG. 3, the hooks 602 and 603 arein the advanced position, which corresponds to a descent position of thebinding 1. In the second position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the hooks 602and 603 are in the retracted position, which corresponds to an ascentposition of the binding 1.

Shafts 203 and 204 are fixed transversely on the connection member 200.The shafts 203 and 204 are arranged so as to be substantially plumb withthe hooks 602 and 603, respectively. The shafts 203 and 204 form ahooking means, or hook-engagement structure, affixed to the base 100.The connection member 200 has openings 624 and 625 arranged so as to beplumb with the hooks 602 and 603. The openings 624 and 625 enable thehooks 602 and 603 to slide with respect to the connection member 200when the latter is pressed against the base 100.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, the hooks 602 and 603 are in their second, retractedposition. The hooks 602 and 603 are not coupled to the shafts 203 and204, so that the rear portion of the connection member 200 is releasedfrom the base 100. The connection member 200 can thus pivot in relationto the front base 400. The binding 1 is then in the ascent position.

In FIG. 3, the hooks 602 and 603 are in their first, forward position.The rear end of the connection member 200 is pressed against the base100. The hooks 602 and 603 are then coupled to the shafts 203 and 204,so that the rear portion of the connection member is fixed to the base100. Thus, the rear end of the connection member 200 is fixed to therear base 100 in order to enable the transmission of forces between theheel of the user and the ski. The foot of the user then cannot pivot inrelation to the ski. The binding 1 is then in the descent position.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example of connecting rod 601 usablein the context of the invention. The connecting rod 601 includes anelongated body, the hooks 602 and 603 extending upward, from the medianportion of this body. To make it easier to switch to the descentposition, the connecting rod 601 includes a release member 607 in itsrear portion. The release member 607 has an actuation surface adapted tobe manipulated by the user, for example by means of his ski pole. Theactuation surface advantageously has asperities to improve the adherenceof the pole of the user. The actuation surface projects perpendicular tothe remainder of the connecting rod 601 to facilitate the application ofaxial forces by the user. The bias of this actuation surface by the userwith axial force drives the connecting rod 601 from its first (advanced)position toward its second (retracted) position. The surface opposite tothe actuation surface forms a stop surface. This stop surface isinclined in relation to the horizontal.

A recess 606, in the form of an orifice, is provided in the rear portionof the connecting rod 601, in the vicinity of the release member 607. Areturn member 650, such as a helical spring, biases the connecting rod601 toward its first position, corresponding to the advanced descentposition of the hooks 602 and 603. The return to the first positionautomatically ensures the fixing of the connection member 200 to thebase 100 when the user lowers his foot and the connecting rod 601 ispositioned in advance in its first position. Such a spring can becompressed, for example, between a tab 609 provided at the front end ofthe connecting rod 601 and a wall 105 of the base 100 positioned at therear of the tab 609. The return spring can be tightly housed within thebase to limit its deterioration.

The hooking mechanism 600 also includes a retaining member 640 shownmore precisely in FIGS. 4 and 6. The retaining member 640 is in the formof a lever pivotally mounted with respect to the base 100. The retainingmember has guide rings 647 in its front portion. The guide rings 647 aremounted to pivot about an axle 646. The axle 646 extends transverselyand is fixed to a base 630 of a rear base 100. The lever 640 ispivotally mounted between first and second rotational positions inrelation to the base 630. The first position of the lever 640 is a lowerposition and the second position is an upper position. A projection 641extends upward, in the median portion of the lever 640. The lever 640further has actuation surfaces 642 provided axially on both sides of theprojection 641. The actuation surfaces 642 enable the user to exertforce to pivot the lever 640 from its second position to its firstposition. Each actuation surface advantageously has a portion 648inclined in relation to the vertical, in order to facilitate itsmanipulation by the user, for example by means of his ski pole. Theactuation surfaces advantageously have asperities to improve theadherence of the user's pole.

The hooking mechanism 600 further has a member for returning the lever640 to its second position. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, thereturn member is in the form of a torsion spring 645 surrounding theshaft 646. The spring 645 has an arm 643 supported against the lowersurface of the lever 640, and an arm 644 supported against the ski or awall of the base 630. The torsion spring 645 thus makes it possible tostably retain the lever 640 in its second position, when the actuationsurface 642 is not manipulated by the user.

The lever 640 makes it possible to stably retain the connecting rod 601in its first position, i.e., the retracted position. As mentioned above,the retention of the connecting rod 601 in the second position, i.e.,the forward position, is ensured by the return spring. However, in thecase of failure of the return spring, it is the lever 640 which stablyretains the connecting rod in the advanced position. FIGS. 7 and 8illustrate the connecting rod 601 in its second position and the lever640 in its second position. The projection 641 of the lever 640 is thenhoused in the opening 606 of the connecting rod 601. The lever 640 thusretains the connecting rod 601 in its second position. The ascentposition of the binding 1 is thus guaranteed to be stable, by avoidingan ill-timed switch to the descent position when the user merely pressesthe connection member 200 against the base 100.

When the user wishes to switch the binding 1 in the descent position,he/she first presses the connection member 200 against the base 100. Theuser then exerts pressure on the actuation surface 642 to pivot thelever 640 toward its first position. The projection 641 then exits theopening 606. The connecting rod 601 can then freely slide in relation tothe base 100. The return member then drives the connecting rod 601toward its first position. FIG. 9 shows the beginning of the switch tothe descent position after a user exerts pressure on the actuationsurface 642.

When the connecting rod 601 reaches its first position, the hooks 602and 603 are coupled to the shafts 203 and 204. The spring 645 returnsthe lever 640 to its second position. FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate theconnecting rod 601 in its first position and the lever 640 in its secondposition. The projection 641 then gets positioned behind the stopsurface of the release member 607. The projection 641 thus forms aretractable stop retaining the connecting rod 601 in its first position,in the absence of bias of the release member 607 by the user. Theprojection 641 then ensures a stable retention of the connecting rod 601in its first descent position, even in the presence of vibrations whenskiing. Thus, a simple pressure on the actuation surface 642 of thelever 640 makes it possible to switch from the ascent position to thedescent position.

When axial force is applied to the actuation surface of the releasemember 607, the stop surface interferes with the projection 641 in orderto pivot the lever 640 toward its first position. As the user continuesto slide the connecting rod 601 toward its second position, theprojection 641 becomes housed again in the opening 606, under the effectof the recoil spring 645, in order to maintain the connecting rod 601 inposition. Thus, a simple axial thrust on the release member 607 makes itpossible to switch from the descent position to the ascent position.

Switching between the ascent and descent positions can be carried outsimply by means of a mechanism 600 having a structure that is bothsimple and lightweight.

The heel-piece 700 is advantageously arranged so as to be substantiallyplumb with the shafts 203 and 204. Thus, in the descent position, thehooks 602, 603 are also arranged substantially in the area of theheel-piece, that is to say, before the rear end of the heel-piece. Thisconfiguration provides a better transmission of the forces exerted fromthe heel-piece to the ski, because the connection between these elementsis more direct. Possible lever effects, which constitute a source ofstresses on the ski, are eliminated.

In the illustrated embodiment, the shafts 203 and 204 are axiallyoffset, and the hooks 602 are axially offset at the front in relation tothe hooks 603. Thus, the transmission of forces from the heel-piece tothe base 100 is improved. Furthermore, the axial forces exerted by theheel-piece are distributed along the length of the base 100.

In the illustrated embodiment, the binding 1 includes hooks 602 and 603on both sides of the axis of the ski or of the median plane of the base100. Thus, the binding 1 has a better torsional stiffness about the axisof the ski in the descent position.

The hooks 602 and 603 are advantageously housed in the openings 624 and625 so as not to project from the upper surface of the connection member200. Thus, the hooks 602 and 603 do not interfere with the sole of aboot retained in the binding 1 in the descent position.

FIGS. 12 and 13 are cross-sectional side views of an alternative hook atthe beginning and the end, respectively, of its coupling to a shaft. Thehook 602 has a lower guide surface 622 for guiding the shaft 203 up toan axial stop surface 623. The free end 621 of the contact surface isrounded to facilitate the initiation of the coupling shown in FIG. 12.Furthermore, the lower guide surface 622 has an inclination about theaxis Y. The lower guide surface 622 is thus inclined in relation to theplane (X, Y) in which the sliding axis of the connecting rod 601 and ofthe hook 602 is located. Thus, during the travel of the hook 602, thepossible clearance between the hook 602 and the shaft 203 is graduallyeliminated, and the shaft 203 is gradually pulled down until reachingthe position in which it is in contact with the stop surface 623.Because this traction of the shaft 203 creates an elastic deformation ofthe binding 1, a constant vertical contact force is maintained betweenthe hook 602 and the shaft 203, thereby eliminating the clearance duringuse of the binding 1 in the decent phase and thus ensuring a highlyprecise steering of the ski.

Furthermore, the hook 602 advantageously has an upper guide surface 626for guiding the shaft 203 up to its coupling position, when theconnecting rod 601 is in its first position and the user has not yetpressed the connection member 200 against the base 100. The upper guidesurface 626 is thus inclined about the axis Y, so that when the shaft203 interferes with this surface 626, the hook 602 and slightly pushedback toward its second position until the shaft 203 reaches the guidesurface 622. The return of the connecting rod 601 to its first positionthen guarantees the coupling between the shaft 203 and the hook 602.

The hooks 603 can have a shape similar to that of the hooks 602, inorder to be capable of coupling to the shaft 204 in the same fashion.

A raising stop 101 of the base 100 advantageously forms an archsurrounding the release member 607 in the position shown in the variousfigures. The arch of the raising stop 101 makes it possible to prevent aswitch to the ascent position as a result of the release member 607being accidentally pressed. The arch also allows the end of a pole to beguided toward the release member 607 in order to switch to the ascentposition. The release member 607 is advantageously inclined in relationto the plane (X, Y), with an inclination about the axis Y, to enable theuser to apply an axial force for switching to the ascent position.

The raising stop 101 is used when the binding 1 is in the ascentposition to provide a raised support in relation to the base 100 for theheel of the user. The raising stop is mounted to pivot via arms 103about an axis having a Y-direction. The arms 103 are connected by a stopportion 102, adapted to form the support for the rear portion of theconnection member 200. In the area of each arm 103, the base has a firstboss 104, a first recess 105, a second boss 106, and a second recess107. During the pivoting travel of the raising stop 101, the arms 103are initially deformed elastically as they pass over the boss 104. Whenthe arms 103 reach the recess 105, the stop 101 is stably retainedbetween the bosses 104 and 106 in a first support position substantiallyperpendicular to the plane (X, Y). As the pivoting travel of the raisingstop 101 continues, the arms are elastically deformed as they pass overthe boss 106. When the arms 103 reach the recess 107, the stop 101 isstably retained in a position pivoted forward by approximately 135° inrelation to the plane (X, Y) to define a second support position.

FIG. 15 shows a partial, axial cross-sectional view of a ski equippedwith the complete binding according to the first embodiment, in thedescent position. The partial cross-section is median in the area of theheel-piece 700. For reasons of clarity, the partial cross-sectionfollows the line AA of FIG. 1, in the area of the connection member andof the hooking mechanism 600. This makes it possible to see the grippingmember 602, 603 and the return member 650.

FIG. 15 illustrates an object of the invention which is the double axialcompensation, the latter making it possible to obtain more flexibilityin the fitted ski. The dimensions of the elastic member of eachcompensation can be optimized to reduce the stresses exerted thereon.This configuration also enables a finer adjustment due to the elasticmember having less stiffness.

The first axial compensation is obtained in the area of the heel-piece700, via the elastic member 750, as explained above. This compensationis known per se in downhill ski bindings.

The second axial compensation is obtained by the return member 650. Itsoperation is as follows: the ski forms an arc of a circle when it bends,whereas the connection member 200, relatively rigid, forms the chord.This results in a relative axial displacement of the rear end of theconnection member in relation to the ski. Thus, the hook-engagementstructure of the connection member, namely the shafts 203 and 204,retract with respect to the ski. This movement causes the axialtranslation of the connecting rod 601 because the shafts 203, 204 are indirect contact with the gripping member, namely the hooks 602, 603 ofthe connecting rod 601. The connecting rod 601 is axially guided by therear base 100. The connecting rod 601 is also in contact with the returnmember 650 via a tab 609. In the opposite, the return member 650 is incontact with a wall 105 of the base 100, which is fixed in relation tothe ski 2. As a result, the backward movement of the connecting rod 601causes the compression of the return member 650, thereby obtaining thesecond axial compensation.

Both axial compensations are parallel and their effects are cumulative,more so when the connection member is flexible around a transverse axis.Thus, the flexing of the ski simultaneously causes the compression ofthe elastic member 750 and of the return member 650. This doublecompensation provides more flexibility during flexing of the ski withoutexerting too much stress on the ski in the area of the hook-engagementstructure of the binding. The dimensions of the compensations could beoptimized due to the fact that compensation is distributed via twomechanisms.

Advantageously, the stiffness of the elastic member 750 is differentfrom that of the return member 650. An axial compensation can thus bepreferred in relation to the other, depending upon the needs and thedesired ski behavior. One can thus wish to have a greater displacementof one element in relation to the other during flexing of the ski.

Similarly, the compression travel of the elastic member 750 can bedifferent from that of the return member 650. This makes it possible toobtain a nonlinear change of the compensation/change in the nonlinearcompensation.

The articulation of the toe-piece also contributes to the flexibility ofthe fitted ski.

FIGS. 16 to 17 illustrate a second embodiment dedicated morespecifically to alpine skiing.

In these figures, the elements shared by both embodiments have the samereference numerals. The elements specific to the second embodiment havea suffix “b”.

In this design, the toe-piece 300 b is fixed in relation to its frontbase 400 b. The heel-piece 700 is connected to the front base 400 b by aconnection member 200 b. The connection member 200 b includes a plate205, on which is fixed the heel-piece 700, and a connecting blade 206 b,flexible in bending about an axis transverse to the ski, connecting theplate 205 to the front base 400 b of the toe-piece 300 b. Thus, in theabsence of a hooking mechanism 600 b, the plate 205 is movable inrelation to the ski.

The hooking mechanism 600 b is similar to the previous embodiment,except that the retaining member 640 and the release member 607 havebeen omitted as they are not needed for alpine skiing. Furthermore, thehooking mechanism 600 b is also different in the area of the location ofthe return member 650. Indeed, it is more practical and more accessible,particularly for adjusting the compensating force, to position thereturn member 650 at the rear of the heel-piece 700. This arrangementalso reduces the thickness of the connection member 200, and thereforethe distance between the boot sole and the ski.

The hooking mechanism 600 b also incorporates a device 660 for adjustingthe compensating force exerted by the return member 650, i.e., a springin this case. The wall 609 of the connecting rod 601 is located, in thisembodiment, at the rear of the hooks 603 and presses on the spring 650.The spring 650 then presses on an adjusting screw 660 forming theadjusting device. The adjusting screw 660 is in engagement with anindentation 670 affixed to the rear base 100 or directly fixed to theski 2. The guide screw 660 is supported by a housing of the rear base100 or is directly fixed to the ski 2, so as to only allow the rotationand axial displacement of the adjusting screw 660 in relation to thehousing.

Thus, turning the screw causes the axial displacement of the screw 660along the indentation 670, and therefore the compression of the spring650. Indeed, the spring is in contact on one side with the adjustingscrew 660 and, on the other side, with the wall 609 of the connectingrod 601. The connecting rod 601 is axially guided by the rear base 100,on the one hand, and axially immobilized due to the hooks 602, 603 incontact with the shafts 203, 204 connected to the fixed front base 400b, on the other hand. Thus, the axial displacement of the adjustingscrew 660 causes the compression of the spring 650.

The stiffness of the return member 650 and that of the elastic member750 can thus be advantageously adjusted due to an adjusting device 660,710.

The operation of the double axial compensation is similar to theprevious embodiment, except that the cumulative effects are morepronounced because of the flexibility of the connecting blade 206 b.

FIGS. 16 and 17 visually explain the operation of the axialcompensation. FIG. 16 shows a fitted ski equipped without flexing,whereas FIG. 17 shows a flexing ski and the consequences on the axialcompensations. During flexing of the ski, the return member 650 and theelastic member 750 are compressed. The length of the spring 650 changesfrom a value of L6R at rest to a smaller value of L6F during flexing.The length of the spring 750 changes from a value of L7R at rest to asmaller value of L7F during flexing.

The connection member 200, 200 b has a front end secured to the ski 2,in the sense that the connection between the front end of the connectionmember and the front base 400, 400 b fixed to the ski 2 limits certaindegrees of freedom, but is not necessarily embedded. The front end canbe mounted to pivot in relation to the front base 400, as illustrated inthe first embodiment (FIGS. 1 to 15). It can be rigidly mounted(embedded) with respect to the front base 400 b, as illustrated in thesecond embodiment (FIGS. 16 and 17). The connection between the frontend and the front base can also be of the ball-joint type or permit onlyone translation along one axis.

The return member 650 and the elastic member 750 can be a spring,rubber, or any other element allowing elastic return.

The invention is not limited to these two embodiments and covers otherbindings having at least two distinct axial compensations.

The toe-piece can be pivotable about an axis transverse to the ski, withits front base being fixed directly on the ski. The connection member205 b is then similar to that of the second embodiment. It is connectedto the front base.

The gripping member is not necessarily located in the area of theheel-piece 700. It can be located, for example, at the rear thereof,which facilitates the design and allows manual action thereon.

Various gripping members can be envisioned. It can be a single hooklocated at the rear of the heel-piece, for example. The gripping memberscan include a plurality of hooks, as in the examples described above.

The gripping member can also be a simple lock movable transversely. Forexample, the hook-engagement structure is simply comprised of holes ofthe plate where the heel-piece is fixed (the rear of the connectionmember). The axis of these holes is transverse to the ski. The grippingmember is then comprised of a plurality of shafts capable of penetratinginto these holes in order to affix the plate to the gripping member. Theaxis of these shafts is also transverse to the ski. These shafts formlocks, which once locked, do not allow any relative movement between theplate and the gripping member, in contrast with the previously describedembodiments. The gripping member is also affixed to the connecting rodwhich is axially guided by the rear base. The gripping member cantherefore move longitudinally in relation to the rear base and can alsomove the plate supporting the heel-piece. In other words, thisconstruction enables a longitudinal displacement of the heel-piece. Thelocks can be non-removable or retractable by being mounted, for example,on an elastic member.

The gripping member can be an elastic clip.

Other axial compensation systems can also be envisioned, the systemsdescribed being only an illustration of what can be applied.

1-15. (canceled)
 16. A binding for a boot on a ski, the bindingcomprising: a toe-piece; a connection member comprising a front end tobe secured to the ski and a rear end, the connection member beingprovided with a hook engagement structure; a rear base to be fixed tothe ski; a hooking mechanism associated with the rear base, the hookingmechanism comprising: a gripping member movable in relation to the rearbase and structured and arranged to be placed in a first position incooperation with the hook-engagement structure of the connection memberso as to limit vertical displacement of the rear end of the connectionmember; a first return member exerting a force on the gripping member soas to move the gripping member toward the first position; a heel-piececonnected to a rear portion of the connection member; a longitudinalposition adjustment mechanism to enable longitudinal position adjustmentof the heel-piece in relation to the connection member.
 17. A bindingfor a boot on a ski according to claim 16, wherein: the longitudinalposition-adjustment mechanism comprises an elastic member locatedbetween a body of the heel-piece supporting a mechanism for retainingthe boot and a fastening element longitudinally affixed to theconnection member; the elastic member exerting a return force on thebody of the heel-piece, in a direction of the toe-piece, along an axissubstantially longitudinal to the connection member.
 18. A binding for aboot on a ski according to claim 16, further comprising: an adjustingdevice structured and arranged to adjust the return force of the elasticmember.
 19. A binding for a boot on a ski according to claim 16,wherein: the first return member exerts a compensating force on the hookengagement structure of the connection member, in the direction of thetoe-piece, along an axis substantially longitudinal to the ski.
 20. Abinding for a boot on a ski according to claim 19, further comprising:an adjusting device structured and arranged to adjust the compensationforce of the first return member.
 21. A binding for a boot on a skiaccording to claim 16, wherein: a force on the gripping member moves thefirst return member toward the first position.
 22. A binding for a booton a ski according to claim 16, wherein: the toe-piece is structured andarranged to be pivotally mounted about an axis transverse to the ski.23. A binding for a boot on a ski according to claim 16, wherein: thetoe-piece is structured and arranged to be fixed in relation to a frontbase fixed to the ski.
 24. A binding for a boot on a ski according toclaim 16, wherein: the connection member is structured and arranged tobe flexible in movement about an axis transverse to the ski.
 25. Abinding for a boot on a ski according to claim 16, wherein: the grippingmember is positioned in an area of the heel-piece or between theheel-piece and the toe-piece.
 26. A binding for a boot on a skiaccording to claim 16, wherein: the gripping member comprises at leasttwo hooks arranged on respective sides of a median plane of the rearbase; the hooks being structured and arranged to cooperate with at leastone fitting of the connection member, the fitting forming the hookengagement structure.
 27. A binding for a boot on a ski according toclaim 16, wherein: the gripping member is mounted to slidelongitudinally in relation to the rear base between first and secondpositions; the gripping member fixing the connection member to the rearbase in the first locking position and releasing the connection memberrelative to the rear base in the second unlocking position.
 28. Abinding for a boot on a ski according to claim 16, wherein: the hookingmechanism comprises: a retaining member affixed to the rear base, theretaining member being movably mounted between first and secondpositions relative to the rear base; the retaining member having anactuation surface structured and arranged to be manipulated by a user inorder to move the retaining member from the first position to the secondposition; the first position of the retaining member freeing passage ofthe gripping member from the second position to the first position; thesecond position of the retaining member retaining the gripping member inthe second position; a release member having an actuation surfacestructured and arranged to be manipulated by the user, the actuationsurface having an axial bias driving the gripping member toward thesecond position.
 29. A binding for a boot on a ski according to claim28, further comprising: a second return member biasing the retainingmember toward the second position.
 30. A binding for a boot on a skiaccording to claim 28, further comprising: a retractable stop retainingthe gripping member in the first position in the absence of bias of therelease member, and freeing the sliding of the gripping member from thefirst position to the second position when an axial force is applied tothe actuation surface of the release member.